Gift guides by occasion
Every occasion has its own unwritten rules: what people actually spend, what everybody gets wrong, what lands. Here is what we have learned about each one.
Anniversary
A private occasion — the audience is one person.
Just Because
No occasion at all — which is exactly why it lands.
Thank You
This gift has a job: make the thanks actually land.
New Baby
The baby is fine. Look after the parents.
Engagement
A celebration gift, not a wedding gift — the wedding one comes later.
Expecting Parent
Before the baby arrives, the person is still there.
Get Well
Comfort and distraction — and nothing that asks anything of them.
Sympathy
Say less, and take one thing off their hands.
Birthday
The one occasion with no rules — which is exactly what makes it hard.
Christmas
Half of it is the gift. The other half is getting it there in time.
Valentine's Day
The most predictable gifting day of the year — which is the opening.
Wedding
The one occasion where the couple usually tells you what they want.
Mother's Day
It is about being seen. The object is almost secondary.
Father's Day
He says he does not want anything, and he largely means it.
Graduation
They are broke, about to move, and starting over.
Housewarming
They are living out of boxes. Do not add to the pile.
Easter
A long weekend, usually spent at someone else's table.
New Year
Fresh-start energy, with one trap in it.
Not on the list?
Plenty of gifts have no occasion attached at all. Tell us about the person and we will work it out from there.
Describe who it's for